Puan Asks For Firm Steps But Remains Humanist In Facing OPM

TPNPB OPM burned school buildings in the Bintang Mountains. (Special)

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, highlighted the continuous anarchist actions of the Free Papua Organization (OPM). He asked the Government to act decisively, but still put forward the humanist side.

"The government must immediately take comprehensive decisive steps in resolving problems in Papua considering that events continue to repeat itself. But a humanist approach must still be considered," said Puan, Thursday, July 18.

As is known, the situation in Puncak Jaya, Central Papua, heated up after three OPM members were shot dead by TNI members on Tuesday (16/7). The shooting began when a number of OPM members attacked the Battalion Task Force RK 753/AVT.

The crowd then launched a protest and said the victims were not members of the OPM. In the aftermath of the protest, as many as six units of cars belonging to the TNI-Polri were burned by the masses. They also asked for a total compensation of Rp. 3 billion for the three people who were shot as traditional fines.

To note, TNI personnel confiscated a homemade pistol and a Morning Star flag after shooting dead 3 members of the OPM. The evidence is thought to belong to the OPM group led by Teranus Enumbi who continues to terrorize civilians. This group is also said to often damage public facilities to attack security forces.

Puan said that OPM's anarchist actions must be addressed by firm law enforcement.

"But strategic steps that prioritize the human side must also be taken. Pay attention to the socio-cultural approach to embrace the community so that there is no misunderstanding," said the first woman who served as Chair of the DPR RI.

Puan also asked TNI-Polri personnel to ensure security and conduciveness in Puncak Jaya after the riots. He also encouraged the optimization of collaboration and cohesiveness of TNI/Polri personnel in resolving the conflict in Papua.

"All of these efforts are for the safety and welfare of the people in Papua," said Puan.

Puan also criticized the action of the OPM group that burned the State Junior High School building in Borban Village, Okbab District, Bintang Mountains Regency, Papua Mountains, last week. Puan said the burning of the school could not be tolerated because it interfered with children's rights in obtaining education.

The anarchic action of OPM must be stopped because the violence and terror they commit not only harms civil society, but also hinders development in Papua. The future of children in Papua as the next generation is at stake," explained Puan.

The burning of schools carried out by the OPM group has received criticism from the local community because the junior high school building is used by children to study daily. According to security personnel, the arson action was carried out by the OPM so that children could not learn so they did not have a good future.

Puan asked the government and officials to ensure the safety and security of the children on Earth of Cenderawasih.

"Our children must avoid forms of intimidation and terror. Nothing should prevent them from getting proper education," said Bung Karno's grandson.

Therefore, Puan asked the Government to immediately prepare temporary educational facilities for children in the Okbab District of the Bintang Mountains whose schools were burned. Moreover, the children in Kampung Borban are known to be very enthusiastic about learning.

"Prepare adequate emergency schools for children to study. Don't wait for the school building to be rebuilt. Also make sure schools in Papua have guaranteed safety," concluded Puan.